Crispy Greek Fried Cheese (Printable version)
Golden crunchy exterior with melty interior, this iconic Greek appetizer delivers irresistible Mediterranean flavors in just 20 minutes.
# What you need:
→ Cheese
01 - 9 oz firm Greek cheese (Kefalotyri, Graviera, or Halloumi)
→ Coating
02 - 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour
03 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Frying
04 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
05 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How To:
01 - Cut the cheese into 1/2 inch thick slices or wedges. Pat each piece thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture.
02 - Spread the flour on a flat plate and season lightly with freshly ground black pepper. Mix evenly to distribute the seasoning.
03 - Press each cheese slice into the seasoned flour, coating both sides completely. Shake off any excess flour to ensure even frying.
04 - Pour olive oil into a non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
05 - Carefully place floured cheese slices in the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
06 - Transfer fried cheese to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Ready in twenty minutes with ingredients you probably have in your fridge right now
- That crispy exterior giving way to molten cheese is pure textural bliss
- Naturally gluten free and endlessly adaptable to whatever cheese you can find
02 -
- Moisture is your enemy here so pat the cheese absolutely dry before dredging
- Let the oil get properly hot or the cheese will stick instead of crisp up beautifully
- Server this straight from the pan because that crunch fades quickly as it cools
03 -
- Work in batches rather than overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature
- Room temperature cheese cooks more evenly than cold from the fridge